This is simply the best double CD we've received in a long time. We
were a little harsh on Clive Davis for the executive producing job he
turned in on Aretha Franklin's latest offering, but now we know why he
was losing sleep. He was off selecting forty, that's right, forty of
the greatest showtunes ever. Arranged in chronological order of show
opening, from 1943's 'Oklahoma!' to 1996's 'Rent,' it's all here--and
we do mean everything. But what is most impressive about this
collection isn't that nearly every showstopper ever made is included,
but that these songs could be included in the first place. Virtually
all of these songs rightfully belong to other record labels, which is
why this album and its contents are so unprecedented.

It is also why this album grants the wishes of so many people who've
longed for one, end-all-be-all Broadway album. As is pointed out in the
liner notes (with a prologue by Davis himself) musical theater is often
forgotten for the overwhelming impact it has had on the American
tapestry. It is good to see that not only is there finally coverage of
a great portion of this heritage, but coverage of an outstanding class.
If you have even a passing interest in the theater, you cannot afford
to be without this CD set.